- The Smarter Brain
- Posts
- Sharpen your mind, one game at a time
Sharpen your mind, one game at a time
Learn which brain-training apps truly improve focus and memory - backed by data.
Mario Peshev
November 09, 2025
In partnership with
Welcome to The Smarter Brain, a curation of thought-provoking ideas and actionable reads to help you build better habits and become more productive.
Happy reading - See you on Wednesday!
Cheers,
The Smarter Brain Team
Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins
3 Ideas for Better Habits
Practice Builds Power
Peak performance researcher Anders Ericsson on how deliberate practice transforms mental ability.
“A world in which deliberate practice is a normal part of life would be one in which people had more volition and satisfaction.”
Taming the Distracted Mind
Neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley explores how our brains evolved for creativity but struggle with modern distraction.
“The brain has allowed us to perform extraordinary feats from discovering general relativity to painting the Sistine Chapel, from building airplanes to composing symphonies. And yet, we still forget to pick up milk on the way home. How can this be?”
Emotions Before Focus
Engineer and educator Barbara Oakley on turning frustration into fuel for learning.
“It’s normal to sit down with a few negative feelings about beginning your work. It’s how you handle those feelings that matters.”
Your boss will think you’re a genius
If you’re optimizing for growth, you need ecomm tactics that actually work. Not mushy strategies.
Go-to-Millions is the ecommerce growth newsletter from Ari Murray, packed with tactical insights, smart creative, and marketing that drives revenue.
Every issue is built for operators: clear, punchy, and grounded in what’s working, from product strategy to paid media to conversion lifts.
Subscribe for free and get your next growth unlock delivered weekly.
Productivity Tools and Resources
Can Cognitive Apps Really Boost Brain Power?
Harvard Health researchers have evaluated whether apps like Lumosity and Peak genuinely strengthen cognitive skills. While the gains may not transfer perfectly to real-life tasks, consistent use supports focus, memory, and problem-solving as part of a balanced mental fitness plan. Explore Harvard’s findings on the real impact of brain training.
Do Puzzles Keep You Sharp as You Age?
Studies and anecdotes converge around one idea: daily puzzles may not directly increase IQ, but they do support mental longevity. Engaging in structured cognitive challenges builds routine, motivation, and joy - crucial factors in lifelong brain health. Learn how mental workouts support long-term cognitive vitality.
Top Brain Training Apps to Try in 2026
From Lumosity to Happify, the latest science-backed apps offer more than entertainment. They blend neuroscience with gamified learning to target specific skills like memory, reasoning, and focus. Compare the best cognitive training apps for sharper thinking.
What We're Reading
Lumosity Newsletter: Explore actionable strategies for improving attention, memory, and problem-solving. Each issue delivers science-based brain training insights designed to keep your mind adaptable and sharp.
Elevate Insights Newsletter: Dive into the newest findings in cognitive enhancement and focus optimization. From habit science to daily exercises, it helps you develop lasting mental agility one insight at a time.
Brain Food
Today I Learned: Lumosity has over 85 million registered users worldwide as of 2016. (Source)
Science: Neuroimaging studies reveal structural changes in prefrontal cortex after 8 weeks of cognitive training. (Source)
Have a productive rest of your week,
The Smarter Brain Team
Resource Spotlight
Cognitive Fitness, Proven Tools, Everyday Clarity
Monthly dispatches explore how structured brain training combines science, focus, and daily practice to enhance mental agility. Featuring insights from cognitive psychologists, this edition highlights the routines that help you think faster and stay resilient.
Tech Meets Neuroscience, Focus Meets Flow
Discover how digital tools like Elevate and Peak Brain Training merge neuroscience and habit design to create focus-building routines. Backed by studies in cognitive performance, these apps transform spare minutes into productive mental workouts.
Everyday Brain Gains, Simplified
From gamified attention drills to memory recall challenges, the latest cognitive tools are reshaping how we maintain mental sharpness. This edition highlights accessible methods anyone can integrate into a busy schedule.
(Everything in the section above is an ad, book yours here)
How would you rate this newsletter? |
Partner with The Smarter Brain and reach 8,000 professionals' inboxes. Contact us to learn more.
If you enjoy The Smarter Brain, we would really appreciate you spreading the word by sharing the sign up link to a colleague or friend. Thank you!
Collaborate with The Smarter Brain